Robbie McLarney Named Men's Soccer Player of the Year at Annual Banquet

HAMDEN, Conn. – The Quinnipiac University men's soccer team held its annual banquet on Saturday, April 20, 2013 where the team announced its individual award winners for the 2012 season. Held at Laurel View Country Club in Hamden, Conn, Robbie McLarney (Londonderry, N.H.) was the man of the evening as the senior midfielder took home men's soccer Player and Newcomer of the Year honors. Along with McLarney, William Cavallo (Londonderry, N.H.) was named the team's Players' Player of the Year, while Zach Friedenreich (Edison, N.J.) earned his second straight Academic Player of the Year accolade.

McLarney was only with the Bobcats for one season, but made an immediate impact en route to All-North Atlantic Third Team and All-NEC Second Team honors. He anchored a formidable midfield this year, leading the conference with seven assists to go along with four goals for a total of 15 points. McLarney's seven helpers in a season rank him in a tie for ninth place all-time in Quinnipiac history. His season was highlighted by two goals, including the game-winner, in a 3-2 win over St. Francis Brooklyn in the last game of September.

"Robbie unfortunately has only spent one year with our program but his impact was immediate and will last for years to come," said head coach Eric Da Costa. "His approach to training, professionalism and competitive nature helped elevate the standards within the group. Robbie's contributions to the team were major factors in all our success this season and we are grateful he joined us."

Cavallo was tremendous down the stretch for the Bobcats, scoring two goals, including the game-winner to lift Quinnipiac to a 3-0 victory in a winner-takes-all match against Fairleigh Dickinson (11/4) - clinching the Bobcats' first-ever regular-season title and hosting rights for the 2012 NEC Tournament. During his career, he was responsible for seven goals and five assists for a total of 19 points in 51 career appearances. A silent assassin; five out of Will's seven career goals were game-winners.

"The team got this one absolutely right!," said Da Costa. "Will Cavallo's importance to the team is immeasurable. He possesses all of the qualities that define a Quinnipiac University Men's soccer player. Will grew into being an important player on the field but he is an even better teammate. His journey has been inspirational. He has gone from walk on, to role player, to starter, to All-Star. His talent, work rate, humor, and unwavering dedication will be sorely missed."

Friedenreich garnered this year's Academic Player of the Year honors after posting one of the highest overall grade point averages among all QU student-athletes. He claimed the award for the second straight year, following a stellar freshman campaign in which he became the first rookie to win the award since 2009.

"Zach is the definition of Student Athlete," Da Costa remarked. "He is committed, hardworking and determined on the field and those same qualities have allow him to excel in the classroom. We are all very proud of Zach's achievements and proud to have him represent our program."

Quinnipiac fans should refer to the Official Website of Quinnipiac Athletics, www.QuinnipiacBobcats.com, for any schedule updates as well as the latest news and highlights. When finalized, the 2013 Quinnipiac Men's and Women's Soccer Schedules will be available for download at www.QuinnipiacBobcats.com for all mobile devices, including iPhones and iPads, as well as all desktop computers.